Gujaratno Rajkiya Ane Sanskritik Itihas Part 07 Maratha Kal

The provided text is the Gujarati version of Volume 7, titled "Maratha Kal" (The Maratha Period), of the book series "Gujarat no Rajkiya ane Sanskritik Itihas" (Political and Cultural History of Gujarat). This summary focuses on the key aspects of this volume as presented in the provided pages:

Book Title: Gujarat no Rajkiya ane Sanskritik Itihas Part 07 - Maratha Kal Author(s): Rasiklal C Parikh, Hariprasad G Shastri Publisher: B J Adhyayan Sanshodhan Vidyabhavan, Ahmedabad Period Covered: The Maratha period in Gujarat, specifically from 1758 to 1818.

Summary of the Content:

This volume, "Maratha Kal," is the seventh in a series dedicated to the political and cultural history of Gujarat. It meticulously details the Maratha era in Gujarat, spanning approximately 60 years from 1758 to 1818. The authors, Rasiklal C Parikh and Hariprasad G Shastri, have compiled a comprehensive account based on various historical sources.

Key Aspects Covered:

• Political History (Khand 2):

  • Early Maratha Contacts: The book begins by outlining the early interactions of the Maratha rulers (Chhatrapatis and Peshwas) and their officials with Gujarat, tracing their influence from Shivaji's raids on Surat to the establishment of their power.
  • Rise of the Gaekwad State: It details the rise and expansion of the Gaekwad dynasty's dominion in Gujarat, highlighting their establishment of Vadodara as their capital.
  • Maratha Administration: Chapters 3 through 5 delve into the specifics of the Peshwa and Gaekwad rule in Gujarat between 1758 and 1818, detailing their administration, ascendancy, and eventual decline.
  • British Influence: The gradual increase in British dominance in Gujarat during this period, culminating in their acquisition of significant territories by 1818, is reviewed in an appendix.
  • Contemporary States: Chapter 6 provides a detailed account of contemporary Hindu and Muslim states in Gujarat, including the Jadeja dynasty in Kutch and Nawanagar, the Jhala dynasty, the Ghil dynasty in Bhavnagar and Rajpipla, the Rathores of Idar, the Nawab of Radhanpur, the Khwaafi dynasty, the Palanpur Hātāni dynasty, the Khambhat Nawabi, and the Nawabs of Surat and Bharuch. It highlights how these states eventually had to accept British paramountcy.
  • State Administration: Chapter 7 outlines the administrative structure of the Maratha state in Gujarat, noting the significant roles of 'Chauth' and 'Sardeshmukhi' (forms of revenue collection). It points out that the 'Ijarashahi' (contract system of revenue farming) led to the Maratha administration being perceived as oppressive by the populace. The coinage of the Maratha period reflects the continued influence of Mughal minting practices, with the addition of distinctive local symbols and rulers' names. Vadodara initiated its own coinage system. Kutch was a pioneer in minting coins among local states. The silver rupees of Surat were widely circulated throughout the Bombay Presidency.

• Cultural History (Khand 3):

  • Social and Economic Conditions: Chapter 8 explores the social and economic conditions during the Maratha period, with a particular emphasis on the impact of the severe famine of 1813 (Samvat 1869), known as 'Agnata ka Kal'.
  • Literature: Chapter 9 surveys the literary landscape of the era, highlighting prominent literary figures such as Shāmal, Dhirā, Bhājo, and Pritam. It notes that while Persian remained the language of administration, its literary output slowed down. Dictionaries were notable Persian literary contributions, and the publication of 'Rajnishio' (diaries) would shed significant light on the history of the period.
  • Religious Sects: Chapter 10 discusses the religious traditions of the Maratha era. The Swaminarayan sect played a significant role in religious reform, and Kavi Dayaram played a key part in popularizing the Pushtimarg sect throughout Gujarat. The establishment of British rule also led to the increased propagation of Christianity in places like Surat and Bharuch, with both Roman Catholic and Protestant missions becoming active.

• Archaeology (Khand 4):

  • Architecture and Sculpture: Chapter 11 introduces the architecture and sculpture of the Maratha period. It notes the development of cities like Vadodara, Nadiad, and Bhavnagar, while cities like Ahmedabad suffered decline. Temples built by the Marathas saw changes in architectural style. Notable structures include the Ranchhodji temple in Dakor, the Sat-Deval temple in Sarsa, the small Somnath temple rebuilt by Ahilyabai Holkar, and various Jain temples on Shatrunjaya hill.
  • Painting, Music, and Dance: Chapter 12 discusses painting, music, and dance arts. Beautiful examples of painting are found in 'Pothi-chitras' (manuscript paintings) and murals. Murals were found not only in temples but also in royal palaces, with special mention of those in Bhuj's Aina Mahal and Anjar's Makardo's bungalow. The text also provides an overview of music and dance arts from the period preceding the Maratha era, highlighting 'Ras' and 'Garba' and the performance art of 'Bhavai'.

• Appendices:

  • Gaikwad State: An appendix details the history of the Gaekwad state in Vadodara, focusing on its establishment and early history.
  • British Ascendancy: Another appendix analyzes the growing British influence in Gujarat, including the exchange of territories between the British and the Gaekwad.
  • Source Material: The introductory chapter (Prastavana) also emphasizes the diverse source materials used, including Marathi and English records, Gujarati documents, Persian chronicles, diaries, Sanskrit and Gujarati inscriptions, coins of the era, and various Gujarati literary works. It notes the challenge in obtaining precise chronological information on Maratha administrators compared to the Mughal period, but asserts this volume is the first comprehensive work covering the entire Maratha period in Gujarat up to 1818, incorporating cultural history aspects.

The volume is noted for its detailed referencing with footnotes, a bibliography of Sanskrit, Gujarati, Marathi, and English works, and an index of people and places, enhancing its utility as a reference book. The introduction also acknowledges the financial assistance from the Gujarat State Government, covering 75% of the publication costs. It also highlights the contributions of various scholars who specialized in specific aspects of Gujarat's history.

In essence, this volume provides a deep dive into the political, social, economic, and religious life of Gujarat during the Maratha rule, offering insights into the administration, the impact of external forces like the British, and the flourishing of various art forms and cultural practices during this significant period.